All these comments are not true. I can tell you I have worked with a few owners of CPA networks ( I wont give names) That didnt know exactly what I was doing but knew it was not normal traffic methods and knew something fishy was going on. But they didnt care cause the advertisers were happy and dont complain to them. However we had an understanding with each other that if they did not get paid I would not get paid also. Which Is standard CPA rules anyways.
You must go to Affiliate summit meet the owners in person, talk shit with them get to know them. Run traffic on their networks, have lunch with them at the summits. Then after a while pop the question to them. I would not do this with any owner though, feel them out a little bit. You think they might be open minded to your ideas?
When you pop the questions to them dont reveal everything in full detail just hints and bits and pieces, as little info as possible. Many owners have been affiliates too at one point and have done blackhat themselves in the past or even currently.